Help me upgrade from BLX surge 100 to pro staff 90 or 95

Hi guys, I started tennis 2 months ago and i enjoy it a lot, i play tennis now 6-8 hours a week with my coach, now i have BLX surge 100 in case any of you want to know exact detail i know u are pro but just in case (http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-WBLXS.html) i will be really happy if you can help me find out do i need to move toward better racquets like pro staff 90 and 95,
I'm 24 yo, 78 kg (172 Pound) and I'm 182 cm tall almost 6 feet. please let me know if you need any more information,

Well if you had to choose between the PS 95 and PS 90, I would recommend the PS 95. This is because going from 10.4 oz to 12.6 oz is a huge jump, as is 100 to 90. You would be going from a lighter tweener to a heavy player's racket.
For the PS 95:
10.4 -> 11.5
100 -> 95

Well if you had to choose between the PS 95 and PS 90, I would recommend the PS 95. This is because going from 10.4 oz to 12.6 oz is a huge jump, as is 100 to 90. You would be going from a lighter tweener to a heavy player's racket.
For the PS 95:
10.4 -> 11.5
100 -> 95

If your coach says that you need a different racquet in order to gain more control, then perhaps you have a bad coach. Most of the more talented coaches on this site all agree that control comes from the player, not the racquet. You learn how to control the ball through swing speed, timing, footwork, top spin, among other things.

If your coach says that you need a different racquet in order to gain more control, then perhaps you have a bad coach. Most of the more talented coaches on this site all agree that control comes from the player, not the racquet. You learn how to control the ball through swing speed, timing, footwork, top spin, among other things.

I like you playing with a Poly, but agree with everyone else saying that a smaller racquet for more control is just a crazy sentiment. Your sweet spot is much much larger with the Surge, and the Surge is actually a very tweener frame, stay with it for sure.

If your coach says that you need a different racquet in order to gain more control, then perhaps you have a bad coach. Most of the more talented coaches on this site all agree that control comes from the player, not the racquet. You learn how to control the ball through swing speed, timing, footwork, top spin, among other things.

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If your coach is telling you to get new equipment to hit certain shots, then he's not a coach, but marketer. What are you going to do? Alternate racquets between each service and return game? (some people do that, then I laugh for holding my serve and breaking his/her)

And what are you going to do in a rally? You're going to stop mid-rally just to switch to your "drop shot" racquet, or "retrieving racquet"?

A good coach would teach you to hit EVERY shot with whatever racquet you're using. None of this built-in excuse BS: "oh this racquet doesn't have enough control/power".

Hi guys, I started tennis 2 months ago and i enjoy it a lot, i play tennis now 6-8 hours a week with my coach, now i have BLX surge 100 in case any of you want to know exact detail i know u are pro but just in case (http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-WBLXS.html) i will be really happy if you can help me find out do i need to move toward better racquets like pro staff 90 and 95,
I'm 24 yo, 78 kg (172 Pound) and I'm 182 cm tall almost 6 feet. please let me know if you need any more information,

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You might be better of going to BLX Blade 98 or 93. The Surge is a great begginer racket, but jumping to a BLX PS 6.1 90 or 95 is a totally different beast.

I see a lot of guys who play with 6.1 90 or 95 thinking they can hit like Federer, but are far from it.

You might be better of going to BLX Blade 98 or 93. The Surge is a great begginer racket, but jumping to a BLX PS 6.1 90 or 95 is a totally different beast.

I see a lot of guys who play with 6.1 90 or 95 thinking they can hit like Federer, but are far from it.

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Yes, I think blx blade 98 seem suit you better. If you want more control go b
For blade 98 18x20. Blade 16x19 will give you more spin and power... But if you really want to change to blx prostaff, go for ps 95. You always can add weight if you need too...

I see a lot of guys who play with 6.1 90 or 95 thinking they can hit like Federer, but are far from it.

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... well some people can be a poor man's federer on the local courts...:cry:

But seriously, if you only started playing 2 months, and you already have a decent stick, just stay with it until you develop your strokes further. Both the PS 95 and 90 require decent strokes for you to even keep the ball in play without being a dinker. You can jump straight to the 90 if you have the footwork, hand-eye, and decent strokes, but the one thing you should not do is use Poly strings if you are a beginner. Poly strings with mess up your arm if you aren't using correct technique. Polys weren't made for beginners anyways, they are intended for advanced players who hit hard, break strings, and need control. Polys are the worst for the weekend warriors, since they lose tension so fast, you are just wasting your money.

No racquet is really an "upgrade". Unless you're playing with a junior racquet I suppose.

If you're looking to experience more of the classic "player's racquet" feel, I suggest adding a bit of lead tape underneath your grip. That will give it a more headlight balance and add a bit of mass, and won't cost you $100+.

As for needing a smaller headsize for more control, I believe that guy that just won the Australian Open uses larger than a 95" headsize, and he seemed to have a decent amount of control over his shots.

Pretty weird for your coach to say. There are college, futures, pros, etc., using tweeners like the PD and APD. You might add a little weight/lead to your racket as you get better but there's no reason you need to switch from your current frame unless you personally feel it is not a good fit.

I wouldn't recommend poly either, until you are regularly breaking syn gut.

if you think changing my string will help me to play better and obviously i am looking to improve my tennis, so i try to change my string to a better one, if you have any suggestion on a good string for me let me know, and adding weight to the grip, can i do it my self (buy some lead tape and add it to the grip or does it need a professional who knows the balance ?)

if you think changing my string will help me to play better and obviously i am looking to improve my tennis, so i try to change my string to a better one, if you have any suggestion on a good string for me let me know, and adding weight to the grip, can i do it my self (buy some lead tape and add it to the grip or does it need a professional who knows the balance ?)

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Yeah you just buy it yourself from whatever sporting goods store is near you, or order it online from TW. You can just cut it into strips (however long you want) and experiment with how it feels. Then add more, or take some off as you see fit. It's a much cheaper alternative to buying racquets, and I think it's a lot of fun and helps you to figure out your ideal balance.

if you think changing my string will help me to play better and obviously i am looking to improve my tennis, so i try to change my string to a better one, if you have any suggestion on a good string for me let me know, and adding weight to the grip, can i do it my self (buy some lead tape and add it to the grip or does it need a professional who knows the balance ?)

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If you want to beef up your racket a bit, try starting with adding 4grams of lead to the 3&9 position. That should add some swingweight and plow. If it feels off balance then counter weight it by adding 4-6grams either along the length of the handle or winding it around the buttcap. Then go from there. Yes, you can do it yourself, just peel back the grip, stick on the lead tape, and wrap the grip back on. The balance in numbers is not important IMO, as long as it feels right.

Poly is usually much harder on your arm, needs to be changed out when it goes dead (which is fairly quick, usually 6-10hrs of use) or it will transmit even more shock, and is expensive to have restrung often. At 2 months into tennis, are you hitting hard enough to get the spin benefits of poly? Its not so much that changing strings will bring an improvement, but more about whether the risks, hassle, and costs are worth the benefit. When you are breaking syn gut regularly is likely when you are hitting with enough spin and power to get benefits from using poly.

Your coach is right, you should replace the BLX Surge with something decent.
There's nothing wrong with using poly...

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This just is not true, and it is not a beginner racquet, here is the write-up from Tennis Warehouse: "A nice balance of power, control and spin, this racquet is a must demo for players 4.0+. "

The frame is not the issue and a frame will not help with control. String and tension will help with control, so going to a mid-tension poly is the better move. Poly goes dead after about 2-3 months, it actually becomes brittle and stiff, so restring more frequently and start in a mid-tension range for the frame, you can lower the tension little by little and you will find that a poly in the upper 40s has great feel and control. A gut strign of multi will not help with control, but they will help elbow pain and help to add power, but those are not your issue.

So you think when my poly is dead it is good to get Wilson syn gut string? and thanks for all of your replies .

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I would say give it try. Gosen OG Sheep Micro, Forten Sweet(natural or gold color), and Prince Syn Gut are the more popular syn guts. You might like the better comfort and more feel. It should last a while and won't go dead. Worst that could happen is you don't like it and switch back on your next string job.
Coming from poly, try 16g instead of 17g.
Prince Syn Gut Duraflex is the best selling string out there but IMO it feels like crap.

Which poly is that? I have never play with a poly that wouldn't be complete dead in three or four weeks.

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Depends how much you play, if you play 3-5 times a week then you are absolutely right and it would need to be replaced in a month. Figure 2 hours for each session at 4 times a week, that would be 32 hours in a 4 week period, so yes it would be dead......but 1-2 times a week could last you 2 months, once a week could last 3 months......but I always go 2-months max. Even in cold months where sometimes I only play 2-4 times per month I will restring at 2 months, even with only 15 hours on the string.

Either way, depends on the specific string and many polys last longer then other ones, but for more control he should go full bed of poly.

if you think changing my string will help me to play better and obviously i am looking to improve my tennis, so i try to change my string to a better one, if you have any suggestion on a good string for me let me know, and adding weight to the grip, can i do it my self (buy some lead tape and add it to the grip or does it need a professional who knows the balance ?)

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There's really no such thing as "better" equipment, it's just different and it all just depends on what you like, what works for you and your game.

I'm also in agreement with everyone else that you should just stick with what you have until you develop your strokes, footwork, etc-

Thanks for all of your replies, when i think about it i remember i had no problem with my wrist before i change my string from surge default to Poly and now when i serve or even return some heavy balls i feel heavy pain in my wrist but not in my elbow do you think it can come from string ? if so i have to change it as it is a bit annoying now, do you think Wilson syn gut 16 is good or Head sonic pro 17

Thanks for all of your replies, when i think about it i remember i had no problem with my wrist before i change my string from surge default to Poly and now when i serve or even return some heavy balls i feel heavy pain in my wrist but not in my elbow do you think it can come from string ? if so i have to change it as it is a bit annoying now, do you think Wilson syn gut 16 is good or Head sonic pro 17

Hi guys, I started tennis 2 months ago and i enjoy it a lot, i play tennis now 6-8 hours a week with my coach, now i have BLX surge 100 in case any of you want to know exact detail i know u are pro but just in case (http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-WBLXS.html) i will be really happy if you can help me find out do i need to move toward better racquets like pro staff 90 and 95,
I'm 24 yo, 78 kg (172 Pound) and I'm 182 cm tall almost 6 feet. please let me know if you need any more information,

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Add some lead to the head and handle and increase your string tension a bit but be very careful if you are using poly. Adding weight to a surge basically turns it into a Pro Open or Pure Drive. Before you buy anything demo, demo, demo...

Which review did you pull that from? EVERY ONE?! I hate that every racquet is touted as a nice balance of power and control!

Sorry, not going after you, just the gutless TW (and every other site) reviews.

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I see what you're saying, but how would they objectively review each racquet? Every player is going to feel differently about every racquet. Each reviewer does list his or her likes and dislikes, but in the end you still have to demo it for yourself to find out if it's right for you.

I doubt too many people that have been around the game for awhile even pay attention to the reviews. I usually just view the specs and move on if they don't suit me.

Thanks for all of your replies, when i think about it i remember i had no problem with my wrist before i change my string from surge default to Poly and now when i serve or even return some heavy balls i feel heavy pain in my wrist but not in my elbow do you think it can come from string ? if so i have to change it as it is a bit annoying now, do you think Wilson syn gut 16 is good or Head sonic pro 17

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You're experiencing arm pains? that sounds bad. Sounds like it could be the poly, or at least it could be a contributor. When I had movement related injuries, it hurt to move that part of my arm, when it was shock related, moving that part of my arm didn't hurt but I felt pain with each racket/ball impact. Change the poly out asap, go with a softer string, a syn gut, or soft multi. Take some time off if it hurts bad.

You're experiencing arm pains? that sounds bad. Sounds like it could be the poly, or at least it could be a contributor. When I had movement related injuries, it hurt to move that part of my arm, when it was shock related, moving that part of my arm didn't hurt but I felt pain with each racket/ball impact. Change the poly out asap, go with a softer string, a syn gut, or soft multi. Take some time off if it hurts bad.

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Thanks Ray for your good comments, i have exactly the kind of pain you said (when it was shock related, moving that part of my arm didn't hurt but I felt pain with each racket/ball impact) except i feel pain in my wrist, unfortunately i need to change my poly asap as you said, i want to try syn gut Wilson 16, if you think there is better string for me please let me know.

Thanks Ray for your good comments, i have exactly the kind of pain you said (when it was shock related, moving that part of my arm didn't hurt but I felt pain with each racket/ball impact) except i feel pain in my wrist, unfortunately i need to change my poly asap as you said, i want to try syn gut Wilson 16, if you think there is better string for me please let me know.

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Most syn gut is pretty similar. I prefer the syn guts I listed before and they are the most popular for a few reasons. But if you want to try Wilson syn gut it wouldn't be too different. I'd say go for a "natural" or "gold" color syn gut, some colored syn gut have a coating on the outside that doesn't feel so great, especially white.

Most syn gut is pretty similar. I prefer the syn guts I listed before and they are the most popular for a few reasons. But if you want to try Wilson syn gut it wouldn't be too different. I'd say go for a "natural" or "gold" color syn gut, some colored syn gut have a coating on the outside that doesn't feel so great, especially white.

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Ray i consider buying Wilson Syn Gut natural as you mentioned but i have no money problem so, if there is any better string i am happy to buy that. thanks again.

Which review did you pull that from? EVERY ONE?! I hate that every racquet is touted as a nice balance of power and control!

Sorry, not going after you, just the gutless TW (and every other site) reviews.

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Very good point, racquets from TW tend to be reviewed as a "must for 4.0+" or a beginner racquet. I played with the first incarnation of the BLX Surge when I was a 3.5 and I actually loved it. I know a few 3.5 women who use it and love it as well, so I guess it is well suited to a 3.5+ player. It certainly is not a beginner racquet though as some have mentioned. It is a very under rated frame.

I have 3 blx surges, which ive played with for a year. Just last week i upgraded to blx pro staff six.one 95. Upgraded is not the correct word, as the surge is one of the best racquets wilson has made. I added weight to stock Surge to bring it up to 11.5 oz strung weight and loved it. I wanted a racquet that was more dead so i could hit out more. I talked about it for a year, the the opportunity came to get one. Ive only hit with the pro staff 4 times, at about 2 hours each session, but here are my feelings. Stick with the Surge! It is very forgiving, yet better, IMO, than the babolat pure drive, once weight is added. I have the surge at 9 points headlight with solinco tourbite 17 @ 58 / kirsh syn gut 16@60. The pro staff seemed much heavier at 11.9 oz. i love the look of the 95, but the Surge is an awesome racquet. I suggest adding some lead to the Surge handle and make it heavier. Enjoy!
D. 4.5 level

Well if you had to choose between the PS 95 and PS 90, I would recommend the PS 95. This is because going from 10.4 oz to 12.6 oz is a huge jump, as is 100 to 90. You would be going from a lighter tweener to a heavy player's racket.
For the PS 95:
10.4 -> 11.5
100 -> 95

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I switched from a BLX Pro Open to a PS 90 and the transition was smooth.

TennisStringer2013, thanks a lot for sharing your experience with surge and Pro staff 95, I stick to my surge and changed my string from poly, I feel much better now at least I have no pain in my wrist anymore, and I try to stick leads,

to be honest most of the people said to stick to my surge as you said, now i am looking for the lead tape but there are many of them is there any particular lead tape u suggest or it doesn't matter which one to buy,

I will look up the mods i made to the racquet this afternoon. Ill tell you exactly how much weight i put on it and where i put it. It doesnt matter about the type of lead tape, but oh yeah, i remember now, i used those 1/4" wide strips. It just so happened that it took 3 of those strips around the handle to make the balance 10 points hl. Again, ill get the specs once i get home this afternoon from giving lessons.

TennisStringer2013, thanks a lot for sharing your experience with surge and Pro staff 95, I stick to my surge and changed my string from poly, I feel much better now at least I have no pain in my wrist anymore, and I try to stick leads,

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That is totally awesome that the pain in your wrist has cleared up. Things like that can lead to serious injuries if left unaddressed.